Business

Kogi govt seeks FG’s urgent intervention on Lokoja–Okene, other federal roads

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi State Government has intensified efforts to improve critical road infrastructure by seeking stronger collaboration with the Federal Government on the rehabilitation and construction of key federal roads across the state.

To advance this objective, the State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Barr. Abdulsalami Momodu Ozigi Deedat, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Abuja, where both officials discussed strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing connectivity, easing transportation challenges and boosting economic activities in Kogi and neighbouring states.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noted that the administration’s commitment to road development is yielding visible results nationwide.

Hon. Deedat explained that the visit was aimed at fostering a stronger working relationship between the Kogi State Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Works to enhance synergy in delivering quality road infrastructure.

According to him, such collaboration would significantly improve transportation, ease traffic congestion, and boost economic activities within Kogi State and its neighbouring regions.

The Commissioner appealed for urgent attention to critical federal roads within the state, including the Lokoja–Okene Road, Ajaokuta Road, Itobe Road, and Mopa–Isanlu Road, among others. He emphasized that improving these routes would greatly benefit residents and commuters, given Kogi’s strategic position as a gateway linking several parts of the country.

Deedat further commended the Minister for his efforts in delivering quality road projects across Nigeria and encouraged him to sustain the momentum in order to continue improving the lives of citizens.

In his response, the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, described Kogi State as the “heart of the nation” and noted that the visit was both timely and necessary. He praised the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, particularly in advancing infrastructure development and improving the welfare of the people.

The Minister assured the delegation of continued federal support and disclosed plans to visit Kogi State in the coming week to assess ongoing and proposed projects.

Members of the delegation included the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Halims; Hon. Danladi Aguye (Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency); Hon. David Zakariyu (Idah Federal Constituency); Hon. Salman Idris (Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency); Hon. Paul Gawan Haruna (Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency); and the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Works, Engr. Abdulsalam Sagir.

The visit underscores Kogi State Government’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to accelerate infrastructure development and improve connectivity across the state.